Rave ‘n’ Raise summer jamm

Feel the summer vibes at a fundraising and awareness-raising summer jamm to remember a Little Big Hero who died from meningitis

Joél Selwyn Ruck, from Epsom, was just nine-months-old when he fell victim to the devastating disease in 2009.

His parents Kimberlyn Dela Cruz and Lee Ruck, thought Joél was teething or had a cold, and he was initially diagnosed with an ear infection. But his condition was more serious and just a few days later on New Year’s Eve Joél’s life support machine was switched off.

Kimberlyn said: “Watching Joél trying his hardest to fight this disease was awful – it broke our hearts to see him lying there with tubes everywhere and bleeping machines. Switching off the life support machine was the hardest thing we’ll ever have to do.”

Keeping his memory alive

Since then his family and friends have determined to keep his memory alive and have raised more than £24,000 for us.

The latest event planned by the group, the Rave ‘n’ Raise Summer Jamm, takes place at The Boogie Lounge in Waterloo Road, Epsom on Saturday 6 August and will provide a vibrant summer party atmosphere, alongside a fitting tribute to Joél and information on our lifesaving and life-changing work.

Something vibrant

Anna Chuicharoen, one of the organisers of the evening, said: “We wanted to organise something vibrant for this year’s fundraiser, and have returned to the venue where we held our first event to remember Joél’s first birthday for some summer vibes.

“The evening is all about having fun and dancing the night away whilst raising money in Joél’s memory for this amazing cause. We hope as many people as possible will join us on the night.”

Top London DJs Simple Simon and Jesus Krisis will be playing the best in R ‘n’ B, house, garage, basement and party classics. Entry is £10 before 10pm and VIP tables are available for those who want to make it an extra special night. There is also a raffle with great prizes on offer.

For more information or tickets please contact Kimberlyn on 07863 127425 or Anna on 07734 679872 or visit the Facebook page.

If you’re unable to attend but would like to donate visit their Much Loved page.